Taste Of MG Draws A Crowd

Hundreds of people turned out Thursday night to sample everything from pancit to guacamole, pad thai to firehouse chili and red velvet cake to chocolate-covered cheesecake pops at Taste of Morton Grove.

White Eagle Banquets in Niles donated the use of a large banquet hall, and almost two dozen restaurateurs donated food, so that proceeds could go to  a long list of non-profit organizations and charities in the area.

Barbara Saks conducted an orchestra of Parkview School students at one end of the hall while diners strolled alongside the serving tables sampling the offerings.

"Several people have come up to me saying it's a larger turnout than last year," said Jim Karp of the Morton Grove Foundation, one of the event organizers. "I just hope people are contributing to the silent auction and the (raffle) board."

"It's a great night and I'm pleased with the crowd," he added, saying he was thankful 21 restaurants came out to donate and serve food.

As he was talking, he greeted Mark Collins, a Niles Township trustee, and Ron Lundin of Lin-Mar Motors. Collins thanked both Karp and Lundin for being regular supporters of the township's food pantry.

Terry LeBeau of the Morton Grove Foundation, also an event organizer, said, "I can tell it's going to be a good night. The bidding on a lot of this (silent auction) stuff is way better than last year."

He expected to have final totals on the proceeds in a few days. 

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